Scholars Of The Peak – The Seawatch Observatory Tapes

Preston Capes

Returning to colourful extruded plastic on Preston Capes with almost indecent haste after last year’s Freq-profiled Transmissions From Mother Hill debut comes the second album from Drew Huddart’s one-man Scholars Of The Peak.

Whereas its predecessor saluted the scenery of the Peak District across a smorgasbord flavoured with kosmische Tortoise-tinted post-rock and retro-futuristic synth sculpting, this follow-up honours the North Sea-facing coastline of the UK, on a somewhat less divergent yet deeper-cooked buffet of sounds.

Consequently, we’re taken through hauntological pirouettes (“Eyes On The Horizon, Ears Tuned To The Deep” and “Fog Log 1809 GMT”); disconcerting vintage Radiophonic Workshop soundscapes (“Mist Protocol” and “Seashaken Sanctuary”); and space-age-church organ essaying (“Sparkle Trawl” and “Silent Light”).

There is also a neo-classical electro étude (“Moments In Motion”); aquatic ambience (“No Keeper Left To Answer” and “Last Glow Over The Water”); and a prowling snare-heavy score in search of a late night driving sequence from a lost ’80s US TV drama series (“Northbound Frequencies”).

Whilst it may miss having more of the lighter and groovesome moments that peppered its predecessor, The Seawatch Observatory Tapes is still a solid statement from the Scholars Of The Peak sonic world that will keep latter-day DIY electronica devotees suitably satisfied.

-Adrian-